FRP boxes??

[guest]

I am assuming that these boxes are not suitable for expedite work since they are made of composite materials? Can anyone give me any advice on this?

In my search for a box yesterday, I must have called 25 dealers, a couple of them mentioned these FRP boxes. They tell me that they are basicly used ryder, penske, etc. furniture boxes. They are apparently made of wood with an aluminium sheathing? They are supposed to be lighter, but one of the dealers said he wasn't sure how well they would hold up to load bars and such. I have seen them before, not realizing what they were. They really look good from the outside with the smooth sides.

Thx,

 

[davekc]

They are probably not e-tracked nor would they support the weight of a tow motor. I would not recommend one for expediting. If I am not mistaken, the underneath frame rails are too far apart. Makes them lighter but not more durable. If you want smooth outside walls I think supreme makes them for an expediter.

 

[guest]

thx Dave..yes I like the smooth sides, but I wouldn't give up durability to get them. Your reply is pretty much what I suspected to hear about the FRP boxes. One of the guys who had one pretty much told me that he didn't think they would, but I thought I would ask on here anyway. You never know what kind of info. might turn up . I figured that if nothing else, this might be a good post for someone else to reference some day.

Thx for the input,

 

[tazman]

Arky,

Fiberglass Re-inforced Plywood (FRP) for short.
They have some advantages and some disadvantages....

Advantage: You can add framework inside ( other than the actual crossmembers.....
They are somewhat easier to repair ( i.e. a tear in the wall etc) as you can patch them and re-sans smooth...leaving no marks....
As opposed to an aluminum product.....
Graphics generally go better on the FRP truck ....

Disadvantage....Heavier than an aluminum box. a little....
If you E-track you will need to put the bolts through the walls...may mess up the exterior
Other than that...

All boxes can be plywood lined or slats on the sides....

Aluminum disadvantages : Noisy in the wind too...


Frank in Pa

"The Beast in the East"

 

[tazman]

Not nesessarily true regarding making them "towmotor friendly".

Either box can be re-inforced to handle that kind of load.....

Also you can add plywood on the inside and a metal "kickplate" all round........

Just clearing that up/////




"The Beast in the East"

 

[davekc]

seems like it would take considerable effort to add extra cross members ect on the bottom. In addition, it would seem like you would have to add addition support beams on the inside in order to support a e-track assembly. By the time all of that is done it would seem cheaper to by a new box. New boxes can be had for 5,000 to 7,000

 

[guest]

I haven't looked into to it much, but I think I could get one of these for $1000 or less. I like the easy to repair bit Tazz. Not sure about adding e-track. This same guy told me that he had one that had e-track in it. I'm not sure if it was one that had the spec's i needed or not though. That seems to be the problem.

I can find boxes of every shape and size except what I need. 22-24' 102"x102". Seems the widths are coming in around 91-93" inside. The rest I can find.

If I find one of these FRP boxes close by, I might look it over for myself. Hey, I can always use a storage box .

Thx Dave and Tazz,